SilverTechan initiative that trains people over 50 years of age, presented the results of its Age Diversity Test in which 87 national organizations participated. Among the main data it showed that Only 35% of companies consider age diversity for the inclusion of talent, in their search and selection processes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2050 the global population over 60 years of age will reach 2 billion people. We are witnessing an unprecedented demographic moment worldwide, which will accelerate in the future. Life expectancy increases, while birth rates decrease, and a collapse of retirement systems is expected. New concepts are emerging such as the silver economy, positive longevity and active aging, which speak to us about a change in the labor paradigm and, consequently, an impact on economies.
Cecilia Lopez Mendietaprogram manager SilverTechpointed out in this sense: “On the labor front, this demographic change may generate a shortage of talent in the future. We must therefore become aware and generate a profound change, which includes all people regardless of their age in the workplace,” and added: “The results of our survey reflect the persistence of certain age-related prejudices in recruitment processes.”
He Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) describes the Silver Economy as “that part of the economy linked to the demographic change produced by the aging of the population, whose focus is centered on the needs and demands of older adults”, understanding older adults as those who are over 60 years old.
Lopez Mendieta He remarked: “This lack of inclusion and the invisibility of the silver generation in the recruitment and selection processes by companies limits access to valuable talent with unique skills. Silver generation professionals have extensive experience that can be of great value to organizations. Especially because, to promote an inclusive and diverse work environment, it is essential to value the skills and merits of candidates, regardless of their age.”
He Age Diversity Test carried out by SilverTech reveals that although 33% of companies dedicate a specific budget to managing age diversity, only 15% of them have employees over 50 years old of age.
The test is an initiative made up of IDB Lab, Eidos Global and leading companies in the technology ecosystem such as Accenture, Microsoft, Red Hat and Salesforcenext to the NGO Diagonal Civil Association.
But all of the above coincides with the results of the latest Bumeran report. How does talent selection work today? which indicates that 68% of HR companies in Argentina did not recruit any person over 55 years of age during 2023.
The data reflect the persistence of certain age-related prejudices in hiring processes, a fact that is confirmed when 55% of respondents admitted taking the candidate’s age into account when selecting new talent. These data expose the need to generate a change in perception and selection practices in local companies.
From SilverTech emphasize that in Argentina the aging process will continue as a result of the decrease in the birth rate and an increase in life expectancy, which in the years 50, he was 62 years old, and today, he reaches 80.
The question that arises is what strategies are companies considering today, to manage the investment of the labor pyramid and continue to have qualified talent for critical positions, when the mass of available young talent is reduced. SilverTech points out that the majority of talents operating in companies belong to the age range between 30 and 40 years old.
According to their records, the senior talent of these companies has a history of more than 20 years in the organization. That is to say, the selection processes are not currently including the silver generation.
What is SilverTech?
SilverTech It allows people over 50 virtually, free of charge and from anywhere in Argentina, to register to access training courses in digital skills and technology. These courses provide tools that facilitate employability and job reinvention.
At the same time, SilverTech invites companies and organizations to be part of its community, forming a space that encourages reflection, exchange and awareness regarding the importance of age diversity in work teams, providing tools to implement A deep transformation is underway and adding +50 talent to organizations.
Some SilverTech results obtained during 2024
- 19,000 people signed up for the program.
- 5,300 people participated in selection interviews.
- 3,055 People continue their training after the introductory period.
- 1,663 people who have already completed their training.
- 660 people are already employed by an organization after 6 months of graduation.
This initiative targets people over 50 years old who live in Argentina and who are unemployed, have precarious employment, wish to change jobs or wish to re-enter the world of work, but cannot access opportunities due to lack of digital skills demanded by the market.
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
